Dancer and TV star Amanda Kloots opens up about her husband’s passing from COVID-19 and shares what readers can do to maintain their health and fitness.
Was there anything that inspired you to start talking to others about getting vaccinated and protecting yourself against COVID-19 and the flu?
It was a surreal and out-of-body experience, getting the COVID-19 vaccine. I felt very privileged to be able to get the vaccine because it was not available for all the people who suffered and died from the disease. I couldn’t shake the feeling that if Nick had been able to get it, he might still be here. It was a bittersweet moment, filled with both relief and profound sadness. I felt a deep sense of gratitude and pride for the opportunity to protect myself and my son from the virus that had taken my husband’s life.
Given that you are extremely active and involved in the fitness space, what daily habits or routines do you find most effective in maintaining a strong immune system and preventing infections?
Every day I try to get enough sleep. Sleep is so important for your body to heal and recover. I love to sleep with a humidifier to keep the air moist, as this really helps me get a good night’s rest. I also try to drink a ton of water. I love to put a lemon in the water to act as a natural electrolyte and ensure that I am extremely hydrated throughout the day, because this helps to flush all the toxins out of my body.
Another thing that I try to do is to stay active and move my body every day. Whenever I don’t feel very well, even if I force myself to go on a walk, I will always feel better afterward because it means that I am moving my body as opposed to just sitting there. Those three things would probably be the most important in maintaining a strong immune system, but I think that post-COVID I definitely also washed my hands a lot more. During COVID, I realized how much more often I needed to wash my hands because I was constantly doing it, and that has really stuck with me these past couple of years. Especially as we approach cold and flu season, it is so important to always wash your hands. I even keep sanitizer in the car. Overall, I think that the most important things would be to get enough sleep, move your body, hydrate by flooding your system with water, and wash your hands.
Are there any public health initiatives or campaigns related to infection prevention that you support or admire?
I think it’s important to be mindful of others, especially during times when we might be feeling under the weather. Wearing a mask, even when you’re just a little sniffly, can help prevent the spread of illness and protect those around you. It’s a small act of kindness that can make a big difference. I know it might seem like a hassle at times, but it’s a simple way to show that you care about the health and well-being of your community.
What do you believe is the most important message to convey to the public about COVID-19/Flu/RSV prevention and the risks of these viruses?
I think COVID is a time in our lives that we will look back on and think was unbelievable. In years, we won’t believe that happened. But there are people in this world, like me, who lost someone from COVID and experienced the repercussions of COVID, yet nowadays COVID is treated very nonchalantly. It is more often than not an inconvenience for people because they will have to quarantine or cancel their plans. Oftentimes, people also make fun of it, and it is hard for me when I’m around those people. I wish that we could remember to have a little empathy around the topic because for a long time, we were losing people on a daily basis. I think that is the most important message. Remember we are lucky that now we get over COVID in 3 to 4 days because this wasn’t always the case. Try to have empathy when speaking on the topic, because you never know who you are talking to or what they have gone through.
What has kept you hopeful during difficult times? How can we foster resilience in others who may be facing similar challenges?
One way that I remain hopeful is just remembering that I have the opportunity to live my life. On days when I’m really down and feel like I got the bad end of the stick, I always think to myself, “What would Nick want me to do?” I know that he would want me to do everything that I possibly can to live a beautiful and fun life as I raise my son. He would want me to go do all of the things that keep me going, keep me moving forward, and keep me positive. Whenever I am feeling down, I remember the fact that I am so lucky to be alive and live my life to the fullest.
Is there any other advice you’d like to give our readers about how they can feel healthy and well more often?
When I was with my husband on a daily basis, watching him slowly get sicker and sicker, I realized that one of the biggest messages that I continually try to spread is how grateful we are to move our bodies, stay healthy, and do everything we possibly can to keep the one body that we have as healthy as possible. We only get one, and I have realized throughout my experience that it is a privilege that we get to be healthy. It is a privilege to go on a walk and move your body every single day, so don’t take your body for granted. Do everything you possibly can to stay a healthy version of yourself.
